"The things written aforetime," observes the apostle, "were written for our learning, that through patience and comfort of the Scriptures we might have hope" (Rom. 15:4). It is nonetheless to be feared that we have sometimes missed the extent to which this principle applies.
In leaving Ur of the Chaldees, for example, Abraham was granted little insight as to his destination other than the fact that it involved "a land that I will show you" (Gen. 12:1). Scripture accordingly notes his having "gone out, not knowing where he was going." Yet, discerning in it all God's pledge of an inheritance (metaphorically defined as "a city with foundations, whose architect and builder is God"), Abraham's pilgrimage was characterized by resolute trust in that promise (Heb. 11:8-10). Consistent with the outworking of divine purpose in numerous instances of Scripture, there would be no in-depth outline of detail. As a journey of faith, the experiences and events encountered en route would prove meaningful in association with their occurrence (see principle of "understanding in fulfillment" as noted in Dan. 12:8,9; Jer. 23:20; 30:24).
The same principle is found in relation to the Exodus. While euphoric in their departure from Egypt and much taken with dreams of a "land of milk and honey," Israel would subsequently struggle with events of the unforeseen. Unlike Abraham, they would eventually lose faith.
How does this all relate to us - to "our learning in patience and comfort of the Scriptures"? Given the coming reality promised to us as believers, much lies ahead of which, like Abraham and Israel, we have yet to be fully apprised. Furthermore, and despite the seemingly endless tomes purporting full disclosure of things yet to come, the fact remains that no one knows it all. To affirm otherwise is to engage in presumption.
We too are on a pilgrimage of faith. Trends and uncertainties of the times - including an intensifying hostility toward those of faith - portend considerably less than the desirable. Within this context, we would propose the believer's recognition of a coming time of test to represent no small degree of pragmatism.
We can indeed learn here. As the well-known song assures us, "It will be worth it all."
Burl Ratzsch
